How to Incorporate Essences into your Routine

Essences are water-like fluids and they provide the perfect base for efficient delivery methods of serums and moisturisers to follow. They are generally used post-cleansing and pre-moisturising. If you are going to use both a serum and an essence, you would usually apply it before a serum but this depends on their consistency. The lighter formulation should always go on first.

In our experience, Essences differ from serums in that they promote hydration as the primary user benefit. Like many serums, Essences can also contain ingredients that target specific concerns, but they are usually designed to first and foremost hydrate the skin (post-cleansing/toning) and secondly to address additional concerns with other ingredients.

Serums on the other hand, (barring pure Hyaluronic Acid serums) are usually positioned to target a specifically indicated concern as the primary user benefit, be it for acne, ageing or pigmentation.

Treatment tips that can help you to incorporate essences into your routine

• Use essences on freshly cleansed skin
• A little goes a long way with essences so start with a small amount and gradually increase if needed
• Gently pat the essence into your skin with your fingertips to aid the absorption
• Choose an essence that targets your specific skincare concerns, such as hydration, brightening, or anti-ageing, to address your unique needs
• Essences can be used both in the morning and evening
• Store your essence in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

Skincare ingredients found in essences

• Niacinamide
• Prickly Pear Seed Oil
• Glutathione
• Bisabolol
• Probiotic Lysate
• Bifida Ferment Lysate
• Squalane
• Ferulic Acid
• Panthenol
• Salicylic Acid
• Zinc PCA

Essences suitable for different skin types

Dark Marks:

When using essences for dark marks, consistency is essential. Results may take time, and it’s crucial to use the product as directed and incorporate it into a comprehensive skincare routine that includes sunscreen and other products targeted at dark marks. Dr Webster recommends:

• Huxley Brightly Ever After Essence

Dry & Sensitive:

Essences have a watery, lightweight texture that allows them to provide an extra layer of hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. This is especially beneficial for dry skin, as it helps to replenish moisture without overwhelming the skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• Huxley Oil Essence

Early Ageing, Fine Lines:

The lightweight texture of essences allows them to penetrate deeply into the skin, reaching the lower layers where they can have a more significant impact on collagen synthesis and cellular renewal. Dr Webster recommends:

• Lamelle Skin Essence Rejuvenate

Mature, Sun Damaged:

Essences are particularly beneficial for mature and sun-damaged skin due to their potent hydrating, anti-ageing, and reparative properties. Dr Webster recommends:

• Lamelle Skin Essence Corrector

Normal or Combination:

For combination skin, essences can help balance the skin’s moisture levels in different areas. They provide hydration to drier parts of the face while not overburdening oilier areas. Dr Webster recommends:

• Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew

Oily, Acne-Prone:

Essences provide hydration without adding heaviness or excess oil to the skin. They are perfect for oily skin as they offer moisture without clogging pores or exacerbating acne. Dr Webster recommends:

• Lamelle Skin Essence Clear